Arsenal only managed to earn a point in their first game against Newcastle United, in which new signee Gervinho was sent off for his retaliation to Joey Barton pulling of his shirt. The Gunners had a lot of the possession, but with the absence of key players—the likes of Samir Nasri, Cesc Fabregas and Jack Wilshere—they lacked the creativity to unlock the Newcastle defense. Arsenal have a lot of work to do in the next few weeks, especially as their season could start on a horrible note if they fail to qualify for the Champions League.

With the futures of Nasri and Fabregas likely to be away from the Emirates and Gervinho's suspension for the next three league games, it does mean that Arsene Wenger will have to bring in replacements in this transfer window. The Gunners have money to spend, but with less than three weeks left in the transfer window, it is uncertain whether or not they can sign their main transfer targets.

Also, there will be some others such as Emmanuel Eboue, whose squad no.27 was given to Gervinho and Nicklas Bendtner, who could leave the club in the future. According toSkysports News, Nicklas Bendtner has confirmed that he will leave the club, though his destination is not certain as of now. When asked if he was poised to leave Arsenal, he replied:

"Yes. I have done my part as well as I can and it's up to Arsenal now to sort it out, I can't do anything more. Hopefully it will be sorted soon but as I said to the Danish press, when I know something they will. I would like to play at a place where you are happy and play every week, that is the most important thing for any football player and hopefully that will happen soon."

With Marouane Chamakh still short of confidence and Robin van Persie being one of the most injury prone players in the Premiership, it is possible that the Gunners will target a striker in the transfer window, though they have reached an agreement with teenage striker Joel Campbell. They have been linked with some strikers, and here are four who could be targeted by the Gunners.

1. Carlos Tevez

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According to the Sun, Arsenal are apparently interested in a swap deal with Samir Nasri, who has only a year left on his contract, involving Carlos Tevez moving the other way to join the North London-based club. Nasri was left out of the squad against Newcastle and if Arsene Wenger cannot persuade him to sign a new contract, he could be on his way out of the Emirates in the summer. Tevez is also apparently interested in a move away from Manchester and according to SunSport, Tevez could be interested in a move to join Arsenal.

Nasri could earn wages as much as £180,000-a-week at Manchester City, which is not possible at Arsenal, but if City do make a cash arrangement regarding Tevez—valued at a whopping £50 million—then the swap deal could be possible, though wages of Tevez could also present a problem for the Gunners. Arsenal are likely to have a hefty transfer budget if Fabregas and Nasri depart the club and could spend a sizable amount of the budget on Tevez. An Arsenal insider said:

"Tevez would be just the signing to give everyone a lift. There is a lot of work to be done yet but if there is a will on all sides it can happen. Nasri wants to get to City, Tevez wants to get out and Wenger needs a new star to get everyone off his back. It seems like win-win all round."

However, if Arsenal do make a serious move for the Argentina international, it will come as a shock to most people because Wenger does not like to spend big in the transfer market and the wages of Tevez, reported to be as much as £200,000-per-week is also very likely to be a problem for the Gunners.

2. Karim Benzema

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According to the Daily Mail, Arsenal manager Arsene Wenger is keen on a move for Real Madrid striker Karim Benzema, especially if both Samir Nasri and Cesc Fabregas leave the club a huge void to fill. Arsenal are in a strong position financially and they have no need to sell their best player, but if the players are keen for a move away from the Emirates, Wenger could sanction the sale since it could destroy the atmosphere in the dressing room.

France international Benzema is a player who has attracted interest and words of praise from Wenger in the past, but it is to be seen whether Wenger will make a realistic bid for the prolific striker. However, it is very unlikely that this deal will materialize considering Real Madrid will be keen for the Frenchman to stay after his excellent performances in the second half of the last season and also his performances in the preseason.

Benzema is a player who is very likely to stay at the club, but if Real Madrid do sign a prolific striker like Manchester City's Carlos Tevez, who has been linked with a move to Madrid, then there is a good chance that one of Real Madrid's strikers—Gonzalo Higuain or Benzema—could move and Arsenal could be interested in either striker.

3. Jermain Defoe

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According to the Mirror, Arsenal are apparently interested in a move for Tottenham striker Jermain Defoe, in what could be considered as a shock deal between the North London rivals. The England international has been a consistent performer in the Premiership but struggled to score goals in the last season and failed to hold on to his place in a number of games in the previous season.

However, Defoe is a proven performer in the Premiership and despite not being prolific in the last season, he has the capability to score plenty of goals especially for a team like Arsenal, where there will be chances for the striker to capitalize. If Tottenham manager Harry Redknapp spends big money to acquire another striker, then Defoe could see reduced playing time, which is why he might consider a move away from Tottenham.

Arsenal currently have Robin van Persie and Marouane Chamakh as their two recognized strikers apart from Bendtner. If the Dane does leave the club, Defoe could be the second choice striker at Arsenal. If Van Persie's injury record is anything to go by, Defoe should get plenty of games over the course of the season. If he does well, Van Persie could be accommodated in some other position, considering that he is one of the most versatile players at Arsenal.

4. Kevin Doyle

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According to the Mirror,Arsenal are apparently interested in a move for Wolves striker Kevin Doyle, who has been one of the club's best players following his move from Reading. The 27-year-old is currently involved in contract negotiations with Wolves but Arsene Wenger could target him in the summer to provide quality depth in that department. Though Doyle is not the most prolific striker, he has an excellent work-rate and links well with midfield, which could be helpful for the Gunners.

Wenger is apparently preparing a £12 million bid for the Republic of Ireland international but Wolves will be reluctant to sell one of their best players. With the Wolves surviving in the last season and also opening this season with three points, they will be hopeful of retaining their best players at least till the end of this season.

Doyle could be a good signing for the Gunners because he brings with him a good aerial presence and his excellent work rate means that it will help the Gunners prevent others from making rapid counter-attacks. It is possible that Wenger could be interested in building a British spine to the team. Doyle would certainly be a good addition to the Gunners if that was the case.